We will pick ourselves up

Stanley boss John Coleman admitted he was hurting – but he is determined to pick his players up to face AFC Wimbledon in the play-offs.

The Reds drew 0-0 with Stevenage on the final day of the season despite hitting the post three times.

With victories for Oxford and Bristol Rovers, it meant Stanley dropped from second to fourth on goal difference and had to settle for a battle in the play-offs.

“I want to congratulate Oxford and Bristol Rovers and I wish them all the best in League One.

“Stevenage were difficult to break down defensively and we couldn’t pass the ball or move it like we can. We have hit the woodwork three times but they have come to do a job and will feel like the deserved a point.

“I am hurting at the moment, and the players are. My fears came home to roost as I felt some people, not the players, felt we were up.

“I am a positive person and we will turn up on Monday ad be bright and bubbly and prepare for AFC Wimbledon. It has been a great season but I have been in football long enough to know it can be cruel and it can be brilliant. It was brilliant last week at Wycombe but cruel today.”